Wearable Head Utility System with Segmented Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronics in military and similar contexts face issues with cable snagging, complex disconnection procedures, and detectable wireless signatures when connecting head-based electronic modules to a torso-based power and data system, leading to reliability and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A head utility system comprising a headset with a support frame and a two-part connector system, where the headset connects to a torso-based power or data system, and headwear connects to the headset via a releasable connector, allowing for easy removal and minimizing detectable signatures through close proximity and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are run from the torso to the head-based electronic modules, then power and data can be transferred reliably, but the cables pose snag issues and complicate the removal of headwear
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the connection into two segments: a permanent torso-to-headset connection and a temporary headset-to-headwear connection. This allows the headwear to be easily removed from the headset without affecting the main power and data connection to the torso-based system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the intermediate connection point (headset) from the direct torso-to-headwear connection. This intermediate device serves as a docking station that maintains the primary connection while allowing optional headwear attachments to be easily connected and disconnected.
2Ease of operation
If wireless links are used to connect the torso-based power and data system to the electronic modules on the head, then the necessity of running cables is removed, but the wireless links result in an easily detectable signature and may cause electromagnetic conduction issues
Solution Approach 1:
The headset acts as an intermediary device that receives power and data from the torso-based system via cable connection. This mediator then provides wireless communication capabilities to the headwear and electronic modules, isolating the harmful cable connections from the wireless transmission and preventing both detectable signatures and electromagnetic interference from the main power connection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If wireless links with very limited range are used to connect the power and data system on the torso to the electronic modules on the head, then the signature detection risk is reduced, but precise alignment is required which is not suitable for practical scenarios where the user is constantly tilting or twisting their head
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wireless connection into two parts: a stable torso-to-headset link and a flexible headset-to-headwear link. The headset serves as a mobile base station that moves with the head, maintaining reliable wireless connection to the headwear regardless of head tilting or twisting, while the torso connection remains stable and cable-based.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a spatial dimension by placing the wireless transmission origin (headset) on the head rather than on the torso. This dimensional change allows the wireless link to maintain constant proximity to the headwear regardless of head movements, solving the alignment problem while keeping the torso connection stable and hidden.
Data Source
AI summary
A head utility system (20) comprising: a headset (22) comprising: a first power or data connector (28) for connecting to an off-headset power or data system (30); and a second power or data connector (38); the head utility system further comprising: headwear (24) for wearing over the headset, the headwear comprising: a headwear power or data connector (44) for connecting to the second power or data connector; wherein the second connector and the headwear connector are arranged to be releasably connected when the headwear is worn over the headset, such that power or data can be transferred between the headset and the headwear.